Customer Reviews

The Bubble Of American Supremacy: The Costs Of Bush's War In Iraq

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

If you think the foreign policy of President George Bush is inept and leading America into a quagmire, then you'll love this book; Soros offers the intelligent businessman's solution to the conservative quicksand.

Consider the background of Soros and Bush. Soros survived the Nazis and Communists in Hungary, got to the US in 1956 and had enough business acumen to become a billionaire. Bush is the son of Old Establishment money and political patronage who never earned a cent in his life, always relying on his Daddy's wealthy friends. Soros became rich by understanding the motivations and actions of others; Bush became president because political advisers Karl Rove and James Baker saw him as a pliant puppet,

Does that make either man a foreign affairs expert? No.

Soros' foreign expertise comes from the $500 million he spends every year to encourage genuine democracy around the world. Bush's policy comes from a narrow group of American Supremacist reactionaries who advocate a unilateralist approach which other nations may join but not influence. Therein lies the difference between the two: Bush has an America First policy, Soros advocates cooperative international solution.

Who is right? Well, in the world of business, Soros' ideas of cooperation instead of confrontation works well. He outlines his approach with an articulate skill in this book, criticizing the Bush mistakes and saying other nations can offer invaluable help. Soros is the modern equivalent of President Woodrow Wilson who created the League of Nations, a brilliant idea which failed due to American isolationism and its failure to counter aggression. Like Wilson, Soros believes in rational people making intelligent decisions.

In brief, it is the essence of his book. I recently re-read 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine, the 1776 book that was the intellectual foundation for the American Declaration of Independence. Soros has written the modern international equivalent, as well-reasoned, eloquent and impassioned as Paine. However, there is a difference. Paine faced King George III, who may have been nuts but was obviously very astute. Today, America faces an amorphous irrational terrorism based on an utterly insane religious fundamentalism.

Events in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Mid-East countries may well have an impact on the 2004 election. The choice will be between American Supremacist in a "follow us or get ready to fight us" tactics or a policy based on American Leadership with a "we'll respect your views" type of consultation and cooperation.

Soros has been there. As a Jew in his native Budapest, he survived in the impact of the "Germany Above all Others" policy. He survived the utterly irrational communist fundamentalism. America made him vastly rich. He has been funding democratic programs in Europe since the 1980s. It's an incredible personal schooling on which to base his views.

The 2004 election debate will likely be on the economy, with foreign policy as the runner-up. Much of the talk show debate involves extremists screaming at each other; Soros offers an intelligent alternative to the current quagmire.

Soros is a self-made businessman and honest philanthropist - an unusual mix in this day-and-age. He has no hidden agenda, no political career aspirations, or behind-the-scenes mouths to feed.
It is this reason that this honest and clear perspective on the current Administration's political and military tactics and overall strategic direction is enlightening.
He is not burdened with the career aspirations of so-many other writers - he can write as he sees and backs it up with clear quotes and examples.
As a 'foreigner' living in the USA, and achieving my goals through the freedom afforded me by this country, I recognize the need for the protection of this BUT Soros provides an insightful comment on where this might lead us all - from victims to perpetrators of even greater atrocities on a global scale.
An excellent book that all should read for balanced commentary on the state of the world and America's part in the future.

We all should be grateful to George Soros. After having worked hard for several decades and made a fortune, he could do anything he wants, go anywhere he likes. What he chooses is to use his wealth to help people around the world. In writing this book, he has spent his precious time to alert Americans to the dangers they face from their own government. Unlike many a pundit, Soros is not looking for personal gain or seeking political appointment. He is one of the most astute observers around, and a rare one who is not pursuing a personal interest.

Listen to Soros, folks. It is worth getting this book just to read his insights as to why Bush really went to war in Iraq and contrast the reality he presents to the misleading pap offered by the administration. Truth may be uncomfortable, but ignoring it gets one into bad messes. Soros predicted a quagmire well before many people realized the consequences of the ill-conceived foreign adventure. No surprise; he is well attuned to deception by powers-that-be.

From his early years in Hungary to his later efforts to help build civil society in Eastern Europe, he saw close up the horrors that have been inflicted by lying, lawless, thuggish governments. His concern that America is sliding in that direction deserves to be taken seriously. Bush partisans are demonizing Soros for his pains and attempting to smear him every which way they can. Americans can judge for themselves by reading this book.

People complain that Soros rambles in his writing or his arguments are not always clear or fully argued. Considering the grave issues at hand, stylistic quibbles sound petty in the extreme. And while Soros is certainly not the only writer on the topic, he brings to it an exceptional skill for analysis. One benefits from reading him whether he is analyzing markets or a war. In any case, this book is easy to read.

If there is one person who brings together global knowledge, moral capitalism, an appreciation for open society principles, an understanding of how dangerous supremacist ideologies can be, and the money with which to save the world by leading the broader public to have an "aha" experience, it is George Soros. I try to read and review everything he writes.

I take one star off because he is not putting his money where his books says it needs to be. I begin with this comment, actually my last observation, to set the stage for the other comments below, all of which revolve around the point he makes in the beginning, but a point that he is doing nothing to fund the correction of: "The gap in perceptions between America and the rest of the world has never been wider." This is correct, but the $15M plus that he has donated to ACT and other minor organizations is not funding the re-education of America, it is funding minor-league politicization and mobilization likely to fail given the 20 year neglect of the Democratic precincts, and the fact that neither the Republican nor the Democratic parties are capable of assembling a true informed majority.

His early analysis in the book, on the dangers of supremacist ideologies and the curious alliance between religious fundamentalists (zealots who know nothing of the real world) and market fundamentalists (immoral capitalists who care nothing of the real world) is spot on. He is articulate and effective in writing about the manner in which this extremist ideology, "we are always right, they are always wrong", in endangering not just American ideals, but American survival.

He touches on but fails to capitalize on the urgency of splitting the moderate Republicans (I am one of them) from the extremist base, perhaps by funding the foundation of a new party, the Fiscal Conservatives (moderate Republicans and Southern conservative Democrats).

His chapter on the "war" on terror and his condemnation of treating terrorism as a war, with the wrong tools, wrong approach, and wrong effects from our well-intentioned but uninformed behavior is also powerful in its common sense. He notes that this "war" (I have called it a six-front hundred-year war that *we* started in reaction to 9-11, without thinking strategically) has killed more civilian bystanders than the attack on the World Trade Center, and simultaneously super-charged anti-American sentiment around the world--including among the British!

He is subtly but scathingly critical of Congress for abdicating its responsibility to balance the power of the Executive, and documents the careless manner in which the Patriot Act was brought about (Bush can also confiscate pleasure boats with Cuban charts on thsm).

The middle of the book examines, with a capitalist's critical eye, the wasted hundreds of billions on Iraq, and how that money might have been better used to address the complex emergencies in Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia (one might also add the tri-border region in Latin America, which is about to explode).

Soros is, I believe, in error, when he concludes that the forthcoming election provides an opportunity to deflate the bubble of American supremacy. First off, the Republicans are taking the election seriously, the Democrats are not. Second off, the Kerry team has proven completely incapable of devising a shadow government, a coalition cabinet, and a balanced budget within which to make policy deals with moderate Republicans and others such as Independents and Greens.

In the next section Soros illuminates with a mix of previously state ideas, i.e. the political institutions needed to protect the common good have not kept up with the marketplace (Kissinger agrees), and new thoughts, among which I found the emphasis on restoring the definition of sovereignty to mean sovereignty of the people, not the state, to be the most compelling and also the most consistent with the many other books I have reviewed for Amazon, among which Jonathan Schell's book, "Unconquerable World" stands out.

Soros' other remarkable idea, which I think he should seek with $10M if he can spare the change, is that there is an urgent need for a D6 of developing countries to counter the G8 of First World industrial powers. He identifies Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and South Africa. I would add China and Argentina and make it D8 instead.

Finally, he concludes with a strong indictment of how foreign aid is administered today, less than 45% of it actual reaching needy recipients (versus 85% for his own programs), he touches on the importance of ensuring that the people, not the corrupt elite, get the benefits of any nation's natural resources, and that only an open society, in which citizens can and *must* (are *required to*) think for themselves, is a potentially prosperous and secure society.

So, concluding this review, I have to say, Bravo, Soros, but why isn't your money where your book suggests it should be? Let's Talk, America, for example, or the National Budget Simulation Project, or the Co-Intelligence Institute, or any of hundreds of bottom-up efforts to shed light on public policy, to create public intelligence that can both inform citizens and hold officials accountable for betraying the public trust--why are they not being noticed by Soros?

American has been radicalized by the Bush Administration, which will probably win in 2004 and further radicalize both America and the world. There will be multiple variations of 9-11, including at least one hijacked Pakistani submarine firing a missile into Australia. We don't need mobilization, we need education. We need a National Intelligence Council in the "seven tribes, seven standards, seven issues" sense, one that relies on open sources of information to ensure that every American understands what is at stake here, and how their ignorance not only feeds terrorism, it feeds the supremacist ideology of neo-conservativism that is terrorism's best friend.

Soros has come full circle, and now stands with Thomas Jefferson, who said "A Nation's best defense is an informed citizenry." So, when does school start?

It is a shame that I can give this book no better than 2 stars. For starters, I agree ideologically with much of Soros's case. I am utterly convinced that the war in Iraq did nothing for us (and much against us). I am also disheartened because what should have been a feasible war on terror has consisted in nothing but us knocking out countries we don't like with a coalition growing more brittle by the day. What makes my low rating more of a shame is that Soros and I share a common philosophical hero in Sir Karl Popper and are both committed to the idea of the open society.

But, alas; for all that, I must rate the book only two stars. Why? It is simple. While the first half of the book (Soros' critiques of Bush's international methods) is astute and well thought out, it is poorly backed up, quite over-simplistic, and its arguments are readily available in many other books of better quality. Soros is not even close to the only guy who has criticized the go-it-alone "Bush Doctrine." Read Etzionni's "From Empire to Community" for a much more researched, professional, and less rhetorical critique (and there are scores of other books you've doubtless heard of). What's more, while the section makes good theoretical arguments, the research is shoddy and most consists of personal anecdotes or references to New York Times articles. Not too impressive.

The second section (where Soros was supposed to propose his vision of the solution) was maundering, much less than clear, and episodic. One chapter suggests that instead of relying on the UN, we might rely on what is called the "community of democracies" but fails to make clear how this group won't suffer from the same self-interested in-fighting and utter imptence to enforce decrees as the UN. He also talks about how the US should use its superpower status to work for the 'good of the community' rather than simply national interest. Yet he doesn't explain in the slightest how we could get a gauge on this (as if the 'community' is a monolith as opposed to an aggrgate of diverse nations!) or any of the other innumerable difficulties posed by such a nebulous concept. To make matters worse, there is even a chapter in section 2 where he talks about little more than whether the cold war was fought over capitalism or 'the open society.' What relevance did this have? I thought section 2 was about Soros's ideas on a solution?!

If I were you, I would read one of the other books arguing against current foreign policy, and hightest on my list is Etzionni's "From Empire to Community." It contains similar arguments (both positive and negative) as this one, but is much more thougyhtfully researched, less vague, and in the end, probably a better buy.

George Soros is a major hedge fund operator and philanthropist whose foundation has supported many worthy causes, especially in emerging and formerly Communist countries. He is a major donor to the U.S. Democratic Party. But is he a major thinker? Although he calls himself a philosopher, he does not test his ideas against the strongest ideas of other philosophers or put his concepts into context. In fairness, men of his wealth are perhaps unaccustomed to having to explain or justify themselves or to offer a good reason for speaking their minds. Soros certainly has strong business credentials, given his international business experience, his other books on public issues and his vast philanthropy. His ego seems monumental here, but so are his contributions and his impact. If you are a non-governmental organization seeking a Soros grant, this book will illuminate his thinking. If you are a Democrat who appreciates his support for the party, this book will tell you why he believes as he does. If you are a Republican, this is a textbook on knowing your adversaries. And, we note, if you are a non-partisan voter who has ignored media coverage of U.S. politics, this will give you the gist of the opposition's passionate case against the Bush administration.

soros scores a huge win with a very direct, to the point, clearly written book of the current problems with american foreign policy and the way it can be righted. naming names and citing history, soros shows that he's as well versed on the subject as the most learned policital scientist. it's amazing that a man with a background of escaping persecution who went on to become one of the world's richest men, can be so wholly unbiased in his outlook. rather than a criticism of america and americans, this is written from a perspective of restoring american values in our foreign policy. soros criticizes the policy of bush and certain other foreign leaders, while avoiding personal attacks. whether or not you agree with what he says, you have to admire the man and the honorable manner he puts forth his plan. a must read for the 2004 election season.

The brilliance of this work is first in its brevity -- the directness and simplicity of its points and arguments. Second, Soros is convincing as he explains the basis for American neo-conservative policies, points out their consequences to date, and suggests the likely future if they continue to be pursued. Thirdly, Soros has standing to offer rational alternatives, and he does so without hyperbole. If you read only one political book, it shold be this one.

The most fascinating part of this book is not in the text itself, but in the Appendix under the title "My Conceptual Framework." Soros does what few authors on the left do; he clearly and forthrightly states the fundamental principles from which he operates. Would that everyone would be so candid!

He calls his philosophy "radical fallibility." It is based on his mentor Karl Popper's belief that ultimate scientific truth remains permanently beyond our reach. Soros applies the same principal to social situations, concluding that we are always wrong, although the nature and extent of our error is variable. A corollary is the "fertile fallacy," which holds that an idea may be valid initially, but when expanded to cover larger areas become corrupted. An example of a fertile fallacy is the scientific method -- valid when applied to science, but leading to distortion and misunderstanding when applied to the social sciences. Soros states, without elaboration, that "my concept of fertile fallacy does not claim to be anything more than a fertile fallacy."

Soros' postulates lead him to his model of the "open society". The open society is one based on the conclusion that beliefs are provisionally true while keeping them open to constant reexamination. He states: "An open society holds itself open to improvement. It is based on the recognition that people have divergent views and interests and nobody is in possession of the ultimate truth." Freedom of thought, expression, and choice are essential to his open society. People living within the society decide the practical limitations on these freedoms.

Radical fallibility stands in dramatic contrast to the absolutes in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal (Justice); "that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" (Freedom); and, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from consent of the governed," (Self Government).

George Soros has become the new best friend of the Democratic Party, providing millions to fund surrogate organizations like MoveOn.Org. If his philosophy is shared by a majority of democrats, liberals, and progressives, and if most Republicans, conservatives, and libertarians hold to the traditional notions of democracy, then one must conclude that the schism in American society is greater than previously thought.

I haven't completed reading G. Soros' book on the "Bubble of American Supremacy," however, I stood still in reflection hoping that the ratings of his book will reflect the 2004 election.

Few one star comments such as "frankensense" of New York represent a great deal of Americans that are ill-informed about feeling secure in this country and affable enough in believing this President's policy will lead them however torn in bigotry, insolence, misleading information, ignorance and prejudism, into a greater and better world. So vividly and falsely informed by this adminsitration, I am happy to see that "frankensen" represents only 1 star and two of 89 found his review helpful. Also, that people who think like "frankensens" exemplify the opiniated that rule with tyranical prowess, based on vengence and shrewd villification of hatred in order to solve our problems with war. Is that the reborn Christian he (Bush) lays claim to and all those righteous on the right who call themselves Christians?

Hopefully we can turn those four and five stars into election numbers.

I share Soros' vision that this supremacy is a bubble, but not about to burst yet, unless We The People, believe enough in a better world less dangerous than that of Mr.Bush's.

Which is different, the shrewd imminent danger of a tyrant and neo-con hawks in the White House, endangering the principles of democracy, or the Non-existence of imminence of WMD from Saddam Hussein? We didn't do anything about the Idi Ammins in Uganda, Liberia, Ruanda, Cuba... and the list goes on.

If foreign policy, jobs and health care, education, the environment and children left behind are not enough to wake up WE THE PEOPLE, I have my doubts about the ability of Americans to change their destiny and the United States as a Republic in the world!

Thank you Mr. Soros! Your philantropy towers Bush's demeaner!